1 Day Online Course Outline, Course Objectives, and Scheme of Work: Becoming an Estate Agent: A Beginner’s Introduction

Course Title:

Becoming an Estate Agent: A Beginner’s Introduction

Course Duration:

1 Day (6-8 hours, delivered online)

Target Audience:

Individuals interested in starting a career as an estate agent, or those exploring the real estate industry.

Course Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the role and responsibilities of an estate agent.
2. Learn the process of property listing, marketing, and sales.
3. Develop an understanding of how to work with buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants.
4. Gain knowledge of legal and regulatory requirements in real estate.
5. Learn how to build relationships and develop customer service skills crucial to the profession.
6. Understand how to use digital tools and platforms for property sales and marketing.

Course Outline and Scheme of Work

Session 1: Introduction to Estate Agency (1 hour 30 minutes)

• Objectives:

  • Learn the basics of the real estate industry and the role of an estate agent.
  • Understand the property market and current industry trends.
  • Explore the different types of property transactions (sales, lettings, commercial).

• Topics Covered:

  • Overview of the UK property market.
  • Key responsibilities of an estate agent.
  • Types of real estate: Residential, commercial, sales, and lettings.
  • Property cycles and how they affect estate agency.

• Activities:

  • Group discussion: Participants share their experiences or perceptions of the property market.
  • Practical task: Research a local property market and analyze current trends in the area.

Break (15 minutes)

Session 2: Property Listings and Marketing Strategies (1 hour 30 minutes)

• Objectives:

  • Understand how to list and market properties effectively.
  • Learn the basics of property valuation and pricing.
  • Explore various marketing channels used in real estate.

• Topics Covered:

  • Creating a property listing: Key information to include (photos, floor plans, descriptions).
  • How to conduct property valuations and determine listing prices.
  • Marketing strategies for estate agents: Online platforms, social media, local advertising, and property portals.
  • Importance of property staging and photography.

• Activities:

  • Practical task: Participants create a mock property listing using key marketing strategies.
  • Group discussion: Share examples of effective property marketing campaigns and analyze their success.

Break (30 minutes)

Session 3: Working with Clients (Buyers, Sellers, Landlords, and Tenants) (1 hour 30 minutes)

• Objectives:

  • Learn how to manage relationships with buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants.
  • Understand the needs and expectations of different types of clients.
  • Gain skills in negotiation, communication, and problem-solving.

• Topics Covered:

  • Client types: Differences in working with buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants.
  • Key negotiation techniques: Managing offers, price discussions, and closing deals.
  • Customer service skills: Handling client inquiries, viewings, and follow-up communications.
  • Dealing with difficult clients or challenging transactions.

• Activities:

  • Role-play exercise: Participants simulate negotiations between a buyer and seller.
  • Group discussion: Challenges in managing client relationships and strategies to overcome them.

Break (15 minutes)

Session 4: Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance Requirements (1 hour)

• Objectives:

  • Understand the legal and regulatory framework governing estate agents in the UK.
  • Learn about contracts, offers, sales progression, and compliance requirements.
  • Gain knowledge of anti-money laundering (AML) regulations and other legal obligations.

• Topics Covered:

  • Estate Agents Act, consumer protection regulations, and AML laws.
  • Property contracts: Offers, sales agreements, tenancy agreements, and legal documentation.
  • Key compliance checks: Right to rent, property licenses, and energy performance certificates (EPC).
  • Consequences of non-compliance: Fines, legal disputes, and reputational damage.

• Activities:

  • Practical task: Participants review a sample property sale contract and identify key legal terms.
  • Group discussion: Best practices for ensuring legal compliance in estate agency.

Session 5: Digital Tools and Platforms for Estate Agents (1 hour 15 minutes)

• Objectives:

  • Explore digital tools used by estate agents for property listings and sales management.
  • Learn how to use customer relationship management (CRM) systems to track client interactions.
  • Understand the role of property portals (Rightmove, Zoopla) in marketing and sales.

• Topics Covered:

  • Overview of CRM tools for estate agents.
  • How to list properties on popular UK property portals.
  • Using social media and digital marketing tools for lead generation and brand building.
  • Tech trends in real estate: Virtual tours, AI, and property analytics.

• Activities:

  • Practical task: Participants explore a digital platform for property listings and create a basic CRM strategy for managing clients.
  • Group discussion: Future technology trends that could impact the estate agent role.

Assessment:

• Continuous assessment through practical tasks, role-plays, and group discussions.
• Final task: Participants create a property listing and prepare a basic client negotiation strategy.

Resources:

• Digital handouts on legal requirements, property listing templates, and marketing tools.
• Suggested reading: Articles on the real estate market, client management, and compliance for estate agents.

This 1 day online course provides participants with an introduction to the role of an estate agent, covering essential skills such as property listing, marketing, client management, and compliance. It equips learners with practical knowledge and tools to begin their journey in real estate.